Fabio Coentrao was brought in to challenge Marcelo’s dominance at left-back but has been unable to unseat the Brazilian from his spot and as such the Portuguese international may feel it is time to consider leaving the Bernabeu.

There is every chance that the 24 year old will stagnate on the bench at Real Madrid and could well therefore be tempted by the chance to move to the Premier League.

Ashley Cole sees his Chelsea contract run out in the summer and as yet no new deal has been agreed. The West London club adopt a policy of only offering one year extensions for players over the age of 30, regardless of whether they are first team regulars or not.

Didier Drogba opted to move on in similarly circumstances and Frank Lampard could well do likewise and as such Chelsea could well be on the look-out for a long term replacement for the England full-back.

Ryan Bertrand has ably filled in for Cole but is arguably more effective in an advanced left sided role and this could well leave the Blues considering a move for a player such as Coentrao.

The former Benfica man has made just five La Liga appearances thus far this season.